THIS CONSECRATION OF HUMAN LABOR TO THE PROTECTION OF HIM TO WHOM EVERYTHING MUST BE RELATED
While we are focusing on Eugene’s writings to his Oblate missionaries, we need to keep in mind that he was also Bishop of the second largest city in France at the same time. In this position he was very involved in all that was happening in the city of Marseilles. His contemporary and biographer, Rey, described one of these moments (in the flowery language of that time)
“In the early days of July, a work of a very different kind received its religious crowning from the hands of the venerable bishop. He was invited by the municipality of Marseilles to bless the canal that was to bring the waters of the Durance River to the city’s surrounding area and to the city itself. Anyone who knew Marseilles and its suburbs before this inauguration can understand what wealth, fertility, freshness and beauty this canal made possible. The city was transformed. Mgr de Mazenod had been an enthusiastic supporter of the creation of this great work, had backed its execution with all his influence, and was happy to exercise his ministry for the benefit of all those who had taken part, but above all for the promotion of religion.
The inauguration was set for Thursday July 8. It was a day of solemn celebration, with magnificent weather and a huge turnout. All the civil, military and administrative authorities were present, in the village of La Gavotte, near Saint-Antoine, at the magnificent canal downstream from the Notre-Dame underground passage: the waters were to enter Marseille from this point. At around 7 o’clock in the evening, the waters began to appear. The Bishop took the podium and, in a powerful voice, delivered a speech that was followed by thunderous applause. We will quote only the beginning and the end of his speech:
“Gentlemen, it was worthy of the men called to represent the spirit of an eminently Christian city, to ask for the support of religion to solemnize one of the most memorable days in Marseille’s history. They have followed a happy and praiseworthy thought in wishing to invoke with us the name of the Lord on the magnificent work of their foresight and solicitude over so many years.
This homage to heaven of a great project already almost entirely realized, this consecration of human labor to the protection of Him to whom everything must be related, gives to their beautiful undertaking the character of a religious homage, the noblest, the purest, the best sustained, the only one that is always well inspired.”
Eugene de Mazenod quoted by Rey Volume 2 pages 255-256
REFLECTION
Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord guards the city,
the guard keeps watch in vain.
Psalm 127:1
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There is a moment of joy to be back here with Eugene who always seems to be able to cut through the unnecessary, reminding us of who is the true creator and sustainer of all life.
Even if the wording is of that time, we can listen to his words with our hearts and hear the message that he shares with the people of Marseilles. It reminds us of what is happening not only on our planet but in the space around it. I think of our Indigenous brothers and sisters and how they tend the garden of life in serving the Creator.
Looking at our planet, our world that has been ravaged rather then nourished. Eugene speaks of “…this consecration of human labor” which built upon God’s creation and yet in our world the ‘consecration” that we most often see and hear is towards human enterprises, buildings and towers that are larger than life.
This morning I am quite unable to ignore today’s message from the small Daily Inspirations calendar which reads: “…none is sacrificed to the other… a good work must assist pre-existing good work and never destroy it. I would regard their success as a scandal if it had to be bought at the price of destroying another early work….” (from 1839 letter to Bishop La Croix d’Azolette)
Eugene seems to speak not just about buildings but also our bodies, hearts and spirits which are also temples of the Spirit of God, the divine within us. Without God we are nothing more than the walking trees that the blind man of Bethsaida first, saw as Jesus began to heal him. (Mark 8). It is God who created us in God’s own image and likeness.
Good morning, Eleanor, fellow Oblate Associate and companion on our journey with and to Jesus the Christ!
Thank you for your reflections on “this consecration of human labour to the protection of Him to whom everything is related” – my heart leapt at those words too – all our endeavours, our lives, our selves, all is related to our good God. Blessings to all who read today’s Daily Inspirations. May we know God’s protecting, loving arms around ourselves and our world in these times.
What a joy to hear from your Karen. It is good that we are companions on our journey together – it is at times like this that I think of how we are all pilgrims of hope in communion and how we live that out. Blessings to you and David.